Ratcheting Wrench Sets: Are They Worth It?

A ratcheting wrench is a combination wrench with a small ratchet mechanism built into its box end. You put it on the nut once and swing the handle back and forth: it turns the nut one way and clicks freely the other, so you never lift it off and reposition it. They’re worth having for tight spaces and long threads, where a standard wrench only turns a few degrees at a time. They don’t replace a standard wrench for breaking loose a tight bolt.

How tooth count affects the swing

The number of teeth in the ratchet sets how far you have to move the handle before it catches again (the swing arc).

Teeth	Swing arc	Notes
72	5°	Common; strong teeth
90	4°	Finer
100	3.6°	Finer
120	3°	Finest; teeth are smaller, so they’re slightly less strong

A standard open-end wrench needs about 30° or more of swing to reposition. In a tight engine bay, the difference between 5° and 30° decides whether a job is possible at all.

Types of ratcheting wrenches

Type	How it reverses	Best for
Fixed head, flip to reverse	Turn the wrench over	Simple, slim, strong
Reversible (lever)	Flip a small lever on the head	No need to remove and flip; slightly thicker head
Flex head	Head pivots on the handle	Reaching around obstacles
Stubby	Short handle	Very tight spaces
Double box ratcheting	Ratchet on both ends, two sizes	Fewer wrenches to carry

When to use a ratcheting wrench, and when not

Use one for:

• running nuts on and off long threaded rod or bolts;
• tight spaces where you can’t swing a standard wrench far;
• places a socket and ratchet can’t reach, because of the socket’s height.

Don’t use one for:

• breaking loose seized or very tight bolts. The ratchet mechanism is weaker than a solid box end; use a standard wrench or a breaker bar first;
• final tightening to a specification. Use a torque wrench; see types of torque wrenches;
• rounded nuts, which need a 6-point socket or nut extractor.

If you’re tempted to put a cheater bar on a torque wrench to free a stuck bolt instead, read can I use a torque wrench as a breaker bar first.

Choosing a set

• Metric or SAE: metric covers most modern cars, bikes and appliances; SAE suits older US vehicles and much US hardware. Buy the system your work uses first.
• Sizes: a metric set from 8 to 19 mm or an SAE set from 5/16 to 3/4 in covers most jobs.
• Box end shape: 12-point boxes fit at more angles; 6-point boxes grip better on tight or slightly worn nuts.
• Head thickness: a thinner head fits more places.
• Storage: a rack or roll keeps sizes in order and shows when one is missing.

Related guides

• Chain Wrench vs Oil Filter Wrench: Uses and Types